Dublin VA to host Veterans Day program on Nov. 10

The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center will honor veterans next Tuesday.

The public is invited to attend the VA’s annual Veterans Day program at 1 p.m. on Nov. 10 in the auditorium. The program will thank those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, remembering those who served in defense of the country. 

“Veterans Day gives our community an opportunity to come together and recognize the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans,” said Chandra Miller, executive medical center director Chandra Miller. “We invited veterans, their families and all members of the community to join us Nov. 10 as we honor those who have worn our nation’s uniform.”

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day after President Woodrow Wilson commemorated it in November 1919 to celebrate the end of World War I. President Dwight Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day so that the country could honor American veterans who served all wars. 

“It’s a great feeling to have this day,” said Keith Griffin, chief of voluntary service at the VA and also served in the Air Force. “So many have served this country and have allowed us to explored the many freedoms that we have.”

Griffin pointed out that their Veterans Day program is a day before Nov. 11.

“We are looking forward for thanking veterans for their service,” he said. “Of course, we have veterans that we serve and see on a regular basis. We also have a lot of veterans who work here. We would like for the veterans in Laurens County and the surrounding counties to come out and celebrate.” 

Many veterans returned with post-traumatic stress disorder and lost limbs. Griffin said Veterans Day is a good way to honor them for their service to the country.

“The unique thing that I love the most about Veterans Day is that not only does the country recognize veterans but so does a lot of businesses,” Griffin said. “To have that kind of community support, not just here locally but throughout the country, is amazing. Acts of kindness like that makes Veterans Day so special for our American heroes.”